Five years ago Brad Vance was just another redshirted freshmen trying to make a name for himself. Now the senior short stop is an NCAA Division II preseason All-American, named by Collegiate Baseball.
“Brad has made himself into a great player. It wasn’t like he started out being one of the better guys,” baseball’s head coach Tracy Archuleta said. “He was around guys that were good, and each year he has gotten better and better.”
The team does not concentrate on having a team captain, but Vance is a leader, Archuleta said.
When practicing with the team, or playing against other teams, Vance ups the level of competition.
“When you see a guy like him play, and when playing with a guy with his ability it gives you an idea of where you want to be as (a) player,” Archuleta said.
Junior catcher Dylan Mooney and Vance have been teammates since 2009.
“It’s great to see him come that far and have a couple great season under his belt,” Mooney said. “Now he’s getting the recognition he deserves. It’s awesome to see him become a preseason All American.”
Mooney’s last season playing with Vance was 2010, the year they won the National Championship.
“I’ve played this game for a while now, and I would say he’s the best short stop I’ve ever played with, against or seen in real life besides a major league baseball game,” Mooney said.
Vance did not expect to be named preseason All-American, and it was an honor, he said.
“I don’t really try to focus on individual stuff, and I just focus on the team,” Vance said. “It’s all about winning.”
Winning the award definitely pushes him to want to be better, Vance said.
“I am trying to play at the next level,” Vance said. “It really helps me keep motivated.”
Vance said his personal goals are to be a lot smarter and be a leader for the team.
“Me being the oldest and being here the longest, I need to be a leader for the team, people are going to look to me to set an example, ” Vance said.
The eagles first home game is against Lake Erie College (DH) at 1p.m. on Saturday Feb. 25.